Prior
to filing a theft-related claim, you should have already:
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Itemized
in writing a complete and detailed list
of all personal property in each room. Personal property
is all property not permanently attached to the structure. Include
the year, make and model of each item as well as any purchase
receipts you still may have. Keep this personal property list
in a safe deposit box off the site and update it as needed. |
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Keep a copy of your most current insurance policy along with
your list of personal property, and read it to familiarize yourself
with it’s coverages and exclusions. Also have on hand the
names and numbers of all individuals or entities that hold insurable
interest in the personal property insured. |
After
a loss caused by theft, you should:
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Call
the police immediately to report the crime. |
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Begin
to itemize the personal property that is missing and you believe
is stolen. Use your personal property list. Our personal property
specialists will take it from there. |
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Decide
on one spokesperson from your family that will call the insurance
company and file the claim, and who will conduct all direct
communication with the insurance company until we can get there
to assist you. |
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Document
all activities and conversations in a journal. This includes,
but is not limited to, the names and phone numbers of any individuals
from the insurance company that may have contacted you. |
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Use
the expertise of your broker or agent in filing the claim with
your insurance company. |
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Assemble
your own team of experts to represent you in the adjustment
of your claim. Place an accomplished Public Adjuster as the
captain of that team. The end goal is to be indemnified for
your loss; which means to be put back into the condition or
state you were prior to the loss. Do not rely on the insurance
company’s experts or representatives to do this for you. |
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Take
a proactive position along side your Public Adjuster in the
handling of this claim. A successful claim and settlement is
an interactive process that takes time and dedication. Find
a P.A. that is as dedicated to the end result as you are. |
What
Vaughan & Associates will do for you:
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Assist
you in filing your claim with your insurance company if you
have not already been assisted by your agent/broker, or if you
have not filed it by yourself. |
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Review
your policy to determine the coverage, limits, exclusions, and
other factors that may apply to your particular loss. |
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| Document
in writing the full extent of your loss. This includes,
but is not limited to: |
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1)
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Composing
a detailed construction estimate backed by engineering
and other specialist reports which may be necessary, |
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2)
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Creating
a detailed personal property estimate based off of supporting
documentation, |
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3)
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Preparing
and submitting business interruption forms (if it is a
place of business), and any other documentation which
may be necessary to ensure your indemnification. |
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Meet
any representatives from the insurance company, and any other
representatives and specialists related to your claim, on your
behalf. |
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Negotiate
with the insurance company representative in order to obtain
the most equitable settlement for you and your family. |
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Arrive
at a detailed settlement offer that addresses all of your concerns
and meets your approval. |
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Expedite
a settlement draft from the insurance company to you as quickly
as possible so you may begin to replace your property. |
